ABSTRACT

In 1994, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) came into effect, which provided a basis for a paradigm shift from “freedom of the seas” to “management of the seas.” UNCLOS requires each party to establish relevant national law enforcement mechanisms. Prior to ratifying UNCLOS, in Japan, the Japan Coast Guard was developed as a primary law enforcement agency protecting Japanese territorial waters, patrolling and policing, conducting search and rescue, and conserving the marine environment in Japanese waters. Building on this expertise, Japan has demonstrated leadership in developing coast guard agencies and their law enforcement capacities in Asia and the Pacific region. This type of regional co-operation among coast guard agencies, separated from military functions, has proved effective, and Japan has also played a role in advancing this global trend to enhance coast guard institutions of non-military nature for sustainable ocean management.